Friends of Ngong Road

We empower Nairobi children living in poverty to transform their lives through education and support, leading to employment.

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Another Successful Round of Coding Classes

Last year we partnered with the DirectEd Development Foundation to introduce an intensive coding boot camp aimed at recent high school graduates. This three-part program provides a pathway for students to learn the basics of coding and programming. From last year’s cohort of 14, two students successfully advanced to sit for the main DirectEd exam, subsequently securing internships.

One such success story is that of a junior developer, James, who is actively using his learned skills. James was one of the two students who sat for the main DirectEd exam, where he did well. In September 2023, he joined Lido Nation as a Software Developer Intern, where he worked on coding until February 2024 while also freelancing at Hostraha, a web-hosting company in Nairobi. He is currently a student at Egerton University, where he is working on something really interesting. Together with his friend, they are working on a startup company! The company will offer a cooperative approach where individuals and groups can own properties seamlessly. They started the coding work almost a month ago and they hope to successfully pull off this entrepreneurial venture.  

DirectEd Coding Boot Camp Success Stories

Recently, a new crop of our high school graduates took the same coding course. DirectEd conducted the Introductory Course, a week-long coding training program. Introducing participants to the fundamentals of programming using Python, this course attracted 18 students eager to embark on their coding journey. Using digital platforms such as Zoom, Google Classroom, Piazza, and Notion, students engaged in immersive learning experiences, accessing a diverse range of resources including PDF modules, instructional videos, and feedback forms. Daily check-ins and workshops facilitated active participation and knowledge retention, ensuring a dynamic learning environment.

The end of the Introductory Course was marked by a rigorous examination taken by 14 dedicated students on January 13th, 2024. All 14 students successfully transitioned to the next phase of the DirectEd boot camp. DirectEd held a virtual closing ceremony that served as a testament to their dedication and achievements. 

By creating relationships with outside institutions to provide quality training programs, we are paving the way for a brighter future for our students. 

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Our students need school supplies!

Please donate today. We have raised $11,000, and have a long way to go to reach our $50,000 goal. Our students started a new school year, and need school supplies. 

Boarding school is the norm for secondary students and some primary students in Kenya. We have over 100 students in our program who attend boarding school. 

These students are allowed a trunk with all of their personal belongings and school supplies. They need their trunks filled three times a year with basic items not covered through sponsorships such as:

  • Towels and bedding
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Washtub and laundry soap
  • Complete toiletries, including shampoo, soap, and toothpaste.
  • Toilet paper
  • Pencils, pens, etc.

Helping our students fill their trunks is a tangible way to show support. Your donation helps our students have the tools they need to succeed and the confidence that comes from having the same supplies as their peers.

DONATE

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Waiting for a sponsor for a year and a half

For the first time, we have students who have been waiting on the website for a sponsor for over a year and a half. These students’ education has been derailed, and their hope of transforming their lives is dimming. Our goal is to find each of these students a sponsor before the next trimester starts in April. A sponsorship means they can join one of our focus schools with all the necessary school supplies, and continue with their education journey uninterrupted with their peers.

Will you help change the lives of one of these bright young minds by becoming a sponsor?

Sponsorship for Education

Neville has been waiting for a sponsor for 556 days. He’s 12 years old and in 7th grade.

Enjoys: Drawing and playing soccer
Talents: Drawing
Favorite subjects: Science and Creative Arts
Dream job: Soccer Player

Sponsor me!

Morgan has been waiting for a sponsor for 521 days. He’s 11 years old and in 6th grade.

Enjoys: Reading
Talents: Drawing
Best subjects: Creative Arts and Agriculture
Wants to become: An Aeronautical Engineer/ Artists

Sponsor me!

These bright young minds are eagerly waiting for sponsors to continue their education journey. Your support can make a significant impact!

Brian has been waiting for a sponsor for 521 days. He’s 11 years old and in 6th grade.

Enjoys: Reading and Drawing
Talents: Drawing
Best subjects: English and Creative Arts
Wants to become: Building and Construction Engineer

Sponsor me!

Sponsorship for Education

Christian has been waiting for a sponsor for 521 days. He’s 9 years old and in 4th grade.

Enjoys: Playing outdoor games and dancing
Talents: Dancing
Best subjects: Mathematics
Wants to become: A Soldier/Arny General

Sponsor me!

Sanchez has been waiting for a sponsor for 506 days. He’s 12 years old and in 6th grade.

Enjoys: Playing Soccer
Talents: Playing Soccer
Best subjects: Mathematics, Science and Technology
Wants to become: an Automotive Engineer

Sponsor me!

See more students waiting for sponsorship!

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Employment Rebounds Post COVID

Our Alumni are Navigating the Employment Landscape post-Covid

In our commitment to measure our results, we conducted a comprehensive survey of our alumni. This survey sheds light on the achievements gained and challenges encountered as alumni navigate the employment market in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the respondents, 65% are currently earning an income, while 35% are in transition/seeking employment. This 65% employment rate is noteworthy as it surpasses the national average of 63% as of the fourth quarter of 2022 despite our population’s youthful composition, with youth unemployment usually higher than the population as a whole.  This marks a significant improvement compared to the pre-COVID data from 2019, where our alumni unemployment rate was 45%, compared to 62.6% for Kenya.

The survey reveals a blend of job stability and mobility over the past 12 months. Notably, 59% of respondents have maintained a consistent job, 17% reported a temporary absence from the workforce; while the remaining 24% had changed jobs more than once.

Within the cohort earning an income, roles are diverse. A commendable 49% are engaged as full-time employees, 14% have part-time roles, and 11% show entrepreneurial spirit as business owners.

Income distribution further underscores the success of our alumni. Astonishingly, 58% surpass the Kenyan legal minimum wage of 20K (Kenya Shillings) per month, enabling them to elevate their families and communities. About 42% earn between 10 and 19.9K, while 19% report earnings within the 30 to 49.9K range. And 10% earn over 50k Kenya Shillings per month.

Our alumni have a 52% engagement rate in formal employment (signed a contract with an established organization), while others are in the informal (casual labor or gig work) sectors or as business proprietors. For those within the formal sector, the ways our alumni have secured employment are diverse. A majority, 57%, found their positions through referrals, while 19% used online applications and job websites. 

A wide range of industries employ our alumni, with a significant percentage employed in the NGO sector (21%).  In the formal sector, industries employing our alumni include hospitality, hotel management, and beauty and personal care. We find it impressive that 36% of respondents hold managerial positions, with a commendable percentage (95%) overseeing teams of more than two individuals.

Respondents reporting informal employment mention referrals as pivotal in securing roles. Within the informal sector, 57% hold supervisory positions, and 23% have been promoted in the last year. A cohort of 13 respondents claim to be self-employed entrepreneurs, with 23% having at least one employee. Only 3 out of 13 have formal business registrations thus far, reflecting the newness of their enterprise.

For those in search of opportunities (35%), the challenges they cite range from limited capital (for the self-employed) to a scarcity of viable prospects in the formal sector.

The survey captures the narratives of our alumni, showcasing their resilience, determination, and dedication to success in the post-Covid era. We believe our results are representative, as 158 alumni (80%) participated out of a potential 198. The strong response rate indicates that our alumni place a high value on sharing their experiences, insights, and journeys.

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Women Empowerment

Empowering Women and Bridging Gender Disparities  

Our support of gender equality and women’s empowerment guides many of our programs. While strides toward this have been significant in Kenya, we are aware of the challenges that still persist, particularly in employment status and financial autonomy. Through our programs, existing disparities are being actively addressed, and we are seeing some promising outcomes, as revealed in a recent (August/September 2023) survey conducted amongst our alumni.

The survey gathered data from 158 out of 198 alumni (e.g., 80% participation). Within this group, 57% identified as female, while 43% identified as male. This parallels our community’s demographics, which are generally 60% female and 40% male.

The data show a remarkable convergence of female and male employment rates. In our alumni study, female employment, at 64%, is very near the male employment rate of 66% and above the overall 56% female employment rate In Kenya.  This achievement is significant given the historical disparities in labor force participation by women in Kenya.  Another encouraging gender dynamic is that our female alumni occupy an impressive 71% of supervisory positions despite constituting 57% of respondents.

Our study revealed a high level of financial autonomy among our female alumni. Over 66% of female alumni are living independently in comparison to males (49%) reflects evolving Kenyan societal norms that embrace women’s pursuit of autonomy and self-sufficiency.

Amongst our alumni, 64% of females are the primary providers within their homes, and 81% are providing at least some financial support to their households as compared to the national percentage of 36.4% (Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022).  Of the 9 females whose spouses are the main providers, only 2 had their husbands as their sole providers. Additionally, 48% of females possess savings, slightly surpassing the figure of 44% for males. This reflects the increasing financial consciousness and independence among women.

The survey findings provide a good perspective on alumni women’s empowerment, including employment status, transformation in familial roles, and financial independence. As we celebrate the advancements in female alumni employment rates and leadership positions, we will continue to address gender disparities. We aim to continue our successful programs to empower our women.